High-resolution laser-based one extreme-ultraviolet ͑EUV͒ + one UV two-photon ionization spectroscopy and EUV photoabsorption spectroscopy have been employed to study spin-forbidden 3 ⌸ u -X 1 ⌺ g + ͑v ,0͒ transitions in 14 N 2 and 15 N 2 . Levels of the C 3 ⌸ u valence and 3s g F 3 and 3p u G 3 3 ⌸ u Rydberg states are characterized, either through their direct optical observation, or, indirectly, through their perturbative effects on the 1 ⌸ u and 1 ⌺ u + states, which are accessible in dipole-allowed transitions. Optical observation of the G 3 -X͑0,0͒ and ͑1,0͒ transitions is reported for the first time, together with evidence for six new vibrational levels of the C state. Following the recent observation of the F 3 -X͑0,0͒ transition at rotational resolution ͓J. P. Sprengers et al., J. Chem. Phys. 123, 144315 ͑2005͔͒, the F 3 ͑v =1͒ level is found to be responsible for a local perturbation in the rotational predissociation pattern of the bЈ 1 ⌺ u + ͑v =4͒ state. Despite their somewhat fragmentary nature, these new observations provide a valuable database on the 3 ⌸ u states of N 2 and their interactions which will help elucidate the predissociation mechanisms for the nitrogen molecule.